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“But I did inspire those words.”

“Eh, not really.”

Running my hand down her back and to her butt, I smile to myself when I feel her breath quicken. “Oh? Then, I guess I have some more work to put in.”

EPILOGUE

Four months later

Josephine

“Well, Tom. The Thundercats once again made it to the Super Bowl. Second year in a row. It was a shaky season, but they made it on top. Phenomenal come back, honestly,” the sports announcer says.

I had to make a quick dash to the restroom before the game started, but luckily there are TVs everywhere, so people don’t miss the action. Even in the restroom. America sure is serious about football.

“Sidenote. Did you see the announcement that Caleb Cross’ girlfriend’s book is being adapted into a movie? They sure are a power couple.”

“I did. Cross has it all. But will he and Trevor Cohen be taking home another Super Bowl win?”

“It’s a huge possibility. Cross’ stats are amazing, with his rushing yards being—” and that’s when I start to tune them out. Yeah, I’m the girlfriend of a football player. But I still don’t completely understand the game. It’s probably because I’m usually reading for most of it.

Quickly, I finish my business and head back towards my parents. They wave for me to come quicker. I pick up the pace, maneuvering myself around a bunch of people wearing the team’s jersey.

I make it back just in time to see his team come out into the field. He searches the crowd looking for me, then makes eye contact and grins, his dimples making an appearance.

Ah, that grin of his.

He points to me and then his heart, making the crowd go even wilder. I roll my eyes, fighting back my own smile.

“When am I getting grandkids?” my mom pushes.

“We haven’t been dating that long, Mom,” I mutter. Here, she goes again. She’s like a dog with a damn bone.

“It’s been like seven months. Plus, you’ve both known each other since college. That’s more than enough time to move this along. I need a wedding and a baby soon because—”

My dad interjects, “Honey, leave the girl alone. She has plenty of time. Plus, Caleb and Josie are pretty busy right now. You know, with our daughter’s book being turned into a movie and Caleb being one of the best running backs in the country.” She huffs and crosses her arms without arguing back. I got about a week before she asks again. I will cherish this time.

The game begins with an ear-deafening roar from the crowd. The half-time comes and goes with a performance from a big-name singer. By the time the game ends, I’m drained from all the yelling I’ve done.

Fortunately, we won. Caleb’s team won the Super Bowl. It was a close game, but they brought it home.

Smiling wide at me, Caleb crooks a finger at me, and I immediately weave through the crowd of people.

The guards allow me to slip through the barricade and onto the field where Caleb is waiting for me. He runs to me and lifts me straight off the ground, spinning us around until I am dizzy.

Laughter erupts from me as he sets me down, grasping my arms to help me keep steady.

Leaning down until his lips almost touch mine, he murmurs, “Hi, JJ.”

“Hi, honey,” I murmur back. “You won.”

He pecks my lips. “As long as I have you, I’m always winning.”

“That was smooth,” I joke.

He arches a brow. “Is it better than your man at the gas station?” He is a million times better than the man at the gas station, but I can’t let him know that. What can I say? Messing with him is fun.

I shrug. “Nothing can top him. He told me he was lucky to even be breathing my air. My air, Cross.”